Business Education

Microsoft just Demonstrated Why the Hard Sell doesn’t Work — Again

Microsoft just undermined its launch of its newly released Edge browser by hard selling it. You may not know about this because it’s niche-worthy news. But, it’s a lesson that the company should have learned many years ago. Instead, it continues to make the same mistake over and over again. Here’s what it is, what it means, and why it proves the hard sell doesn’t work.

Why the Hard Sell doesn’t Work

Microsoft recently introduced a new version of its Edge browser. In order to promote it, the company shamelessly inserted a conspicuous ad in its Windows 10 menu. The advertisement “suggests” that users switch from their current browser of choice over to Edge. Of course, people don’t like this assertive tactic and are taking to social media to complain about it.

Small-business owners successful at sales know the best way to sell something is not to sell it. You listen to potential customers about what they want or need, and then you introduce your product as the answer. You want people to think buying your services was their idea. —American Express

Turns out that Microsoft is not willing to learn from its many repeated mistakes of the past. That is, the corporation’s insistence on pushing its customers into buying or using proprietary products and services that are promoted through the company’s various platforms.

This is not only annoying, it’s obnoxious. Plus, it demonstrates the many problems with hard selling. There is no empathy, no relationship, no trust, and so it goes against human nature. Trying to badger people into becoming loyal customers is simply not a winning strategy.

3 Proven Ways to Sell without Being Pushy (or Obnoxious)

So, how do you promote your products and/or services without hard selling? It’s actually easier than one would think. Better yet, it works and works very well. Here are three effective ways to sell without being pushy or obnoxious:

Take your time. Rushing will only backfire. When you sell at a hurried pace, you don’t give your customer enough time to process what you’re offering. It’s confusing and overwhelming and unsurprisingly, it typically won’t work.
Let potential customers do all the talking. Well, maybe not all the talking, but most definitely, the majority of it. This way, you’ll learn quite a bit about him or her and gain a better understanding of his or her needs. You’ll be regarded as empathetic and trustworthy and those two key elements are important to building any relationship.
Focus on their problem, not your product or service. This goes hand-in-hand with the second point. You need to understand precisely what their problem is in order to offer an effective solution. You won’t be forcing a sale, but rather giving them answers they need.

What other strategies do you use in-place of hard selling techniques? Please comment and share your thoughts and experiences!

Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

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How to Turn Your Idea into a Business

January 3, 2018 No Comments

It’s easy to turn your skills into a business. That’s one thing. You already have methodologies and experience. But, what if you just have an idea? Something you can’t seem to shake? It’s there day-in and day-out. You simply can’t get it out of your head. But, you’re afraid to tell anyone because you’re not sure it has merit. Or, it’s a take on something else that’s a proven model. Whatever the case, you’re eager to turn your idea into a business. How to Know when It’s Time to Start a Business The biggest barrier people have to starting-up a business isn’t money. It’s not a lack of motivation. The largest barriers are self-imposed. It’s over thinking things. In other words, a kind of paralysis by analysis. People come up with all sorts of reasons they can’t start a business. Funds. Time. Competition. Take your pick because there’s no lack of excuses. Which ultimately, that’s what these so-called reasons really are in practice. Ideas are just ideas. An idea is the seed of a successful product or service. Without proper care and maintenance, it will not bloom. Ideas require solid research of the target market, a good strategy and a sound business plan, without which, ideas cannot go much further. If you want to start a business and make a go of it, you need more than just an idea. —Entrepreneur.com We’ve all heard the success stories about entrepreneurs who didn’t give up. Take Walt Disney for example. Turned down by lender after lender, he never gave up. So many years later, we all see his crazy idea as a terrific business. Now, those theme parks are the best of the best. But, it all started with an idea — nothing more. How to Turn Your Idea into a Business Of course, you might not think your idea is necessarily business worthy. However, you don’t know until you give it a genuine try. Although it’s intimidating, there’s a big reward just waiting if you put in the effort. Here’s a few suggestions for how you can turn your idea into a business: Ask friends and family for feedback. Don’t let fear stand in your way. Your idea needs feedback. If you speak with a few people about it, you’ll learn something interesting. This is a great way to flesh it out. And, it might even give you more ideas that contribute in a wonderful way. Try to find working versions of it. If your idea isn’t out there as a reality yet, chances are excellent there’s something like it. Look for similar businesses and see how they operate. Even if it’s a new take on a common business model, you’ll learn through some simple research. Start by giving it away for free. Next, put it into action. Set aside some time to give it away for nothing (or a very cheap price). When you put it into practice, you’ll see where it naturally takes you. And, you’ll also learn if it can actually be monetized. Be ready to rework it along the way. Of course, you’ll need to give yourself permission to make mistakes. Use them to your advantage to better the service or product. As you do it over and over again, you’ll refine the process. What other suggestions do you have to turn an idea into a business? Where did you start your company? How can someone set up for success with just an idea? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

How to Deal with Employee Ghosting

July 15, 2018 No Comments

Employee ghosting is a scary situation. It’s spooky because it’s so awkward and strange. If you haven’t heard about employee ghosting, you’re certainly not alone. Although, it’s a trend which appears like it’s on the rise. Basically, this is a workplace phenomenon born from personal relationships in this day and age or IRL. (That’s In Real Life — BTW or By the Way.) And, it’s possible you might just face this particular scenario. So, it’s best to err on the side of caution and take proactive measures to limit the fallout. Employee Ghosting Explained Before we get to how to deal with it, let’s first explain employee ghosting. It’s simply when an established team member, a new employee, or a fresh hire doesn’t show up, without notice or any forewarning. It’s actually a practice that’s been present in the dating world for quite some time. One person simply up and disappears, without any indication. Poof. All communications are cut off, all of a sudden. In fields ranging from food service to finance, recruiters and hiring managers say a tightening job market and a sustained labor shortage have contributed to a surge in professionals abruptly cutting off contact and turning silent–the type of behavior more often associated with online dating than office life. —Inc.com This has found its way into the professional workplace. And, it raises a number of concerns. Of course, the first is being a person short. Then, there’s the matter of reconciling or trying to make sense of a nonsensical move. Moreover, it makes your team members wonder just what the ghost knows they don’t yet know themselves. In other words, just what reason could cause a person to up and disappear? How to Deal with Employee Ghosting Now, let’s get to dealing with employee ghosting. After all, if it does happen, you certainly don’t want to be caught totally off guard. Here are some helpful suggestions for how to deal with employee ghosting: Create a backup plan. At some point, you’re going to deal with a sudden change that comes out of nowhere. So, it’s best to have a plan in-place. Get with one or more team members and create a backup plan that’s reasonable and actionable so it can be implemented, if necessary. Be prepared to reward. Of course, if someone doesn’t show up, someone else will have to shoulder the load. Which means they’ll have to work more. Make it worthwhile by rewarding them appropriately. A gift card, an extra paid day off, or a bigger bonus. Create a high trust culture. When employees call in sick or they are late, handle this professionally and according to your policy with consistency, but don’t make a mountain out of a mole hill. The same is true with employee mistakes. Be careful to react negatively or to belittle an employee who has made an honest mistake because these negative acts cause employees to not disclose the truth and hide their mistakes … even not showing up for work for fear of retribution. A safe and healthy work environment with open communication helps to foster high trust in the work place. Formulate a way forward. You can’t just rely on a temporary stop-gap solution because it isn’t tenable. You’ll need to formulate a plan for how to transition and proceed in a way that isn’t too interruptive. Stay calm and breathe deep. It’s an unfortunate situation and an uncomfortable one, just like when you have to tell your employees you’ve fired someone. But, you can make it past the setback. Start by remaining calm. Take a deep breath and handle it coolly. Have you experienced this strange trend? How do you deal with it? Or, what other suggestions do you have? Please share your thoughts by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Relocating a business can seem like a high-stakes gamble, but for many small business owners, it could be the most strategic move they ever make.

Strategies Entrepreneurs Can Use to Grow a New Company Fast without Making Fatal Mistakes

November 17, 2023 No Comments

Strategies Entrepreneurs Can Use to Grow a New Company Fast without Making Fatal Mistakes Starting a new company is an exhilarating journey filled with opportunities, challenges, and risks. Entrepreneurs often find themselves on a tightrope, balancing the need for rapid growth with the necessity of avoiding critical mistakes that could derail their venture. Due to this precariousness, we’ll take some time to explore essential strategies that entrepreneurs can employ to grow a new company swiftly while sidestepping potential pitfalls that could prove fatal to their business endeavors. Remember, Failing is Not Only Normal, it’s Also Informative Failure is a normal part of the entrepreneurial journey. Everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and to keep moving forward. Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Growing a new company fast is a challenging task, but it is possible to do it without making fatal mistakes. Here are some strategies that entrepreneurs can use to achieve this goal: Market Research: Knowledge is Power One of the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make is diving into a venture without conducting thorough market research. Understanding your target audience, analyzing competitors, and identifying market trends are crucial steps in building a successful business. By gathering valuable insights, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions, identify gaps in the market, and tailor their products or services to meet customer demands effectively. Build a Solid Team: Collaboration Breeds Success A company is only as strong as its team. Entrepreneurs should focus on recruiting individuals who not only possess the necessary skills and expertise but also align with the company’s vision and values. Building a diverse and dedicated team fosters creativity, innovation, and effective problem-solving. Strong teamwork ensures that the company can navigate challenges collectively and capitalize on opportunities collaboratively. Scalable Business Model: Plan for Growth Happy customers are the backbone of any successful business. Entrepreneurs should prioritize building strong relationships with their customers, understanding their needs, and providing exceptional customer service. Implementing feedback loops, actively listening to customer concerns, and addressing issues promptly not only enhance customer satisfaction but also foster brand loyalty. Satisfied customers are more likely to become advocates, promoting the company through word-of-mouth and positive reviews. Financial Prudence: Manage Resources Wisely One fatal mistake many entrepreneurs make is mismanaging finances. Effective financial planning, budgeting, and cash flow management are vital for the survival and growth of a new company. Entrepreneurs should avoid unnecessary expenditures, negotiate favorable terms with suppliers, and monitor financial metrics closely. Seeking professional advice from financial advisors or accountants can provide valuable insights into managing resources wisely and avoiding financial pitfalls. Continuous Learning: Stay Ahead of the Curve The business landscape is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer behaviors, and emerging trends. Entrepreneurs must commit to continuous learning and staying updated on industry developments. Attending workshops, industry conferences, and networking events can provide valuable knowledge and insights. By embracing a growth mindset and adapting to change, entrepreneurs can position their companies at the forefront of innovation and remain competitive in the market. What We’ve Learned Growing a new company rapidly while avoiding fatal mistakes requires a combination of strategic planning, adaptability, and a customer-focused approach. By conducting comprehensive market research, building a strong team, creating a scalable business model, nurturing customer relationships, managing finances prudently, and staying informed, entrepreneurs can set the foundation for sustainable growth and long-term success. Embracing these strategies will not only accelerate the company’s expansion but also ensure its resilience in the face of challenges, allowing entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses that stand the test of time. Do you want to grow your company in 2024 but you are not sure what is required to make that growth happen? Attend our “Planning for Growth” half-day workshop where you will get amazing details specific to your business for what’s needed from your marketing, your sales team, your production team, and your financial performance to enter 2024 with confidence you can indeed grow as planned. You will have the clarity you’ve always wanted but didn’t know how to create. It’s a $1495 value we are offering in November for only $99. Contact us for dates and times. We offer a 100% money-back guarantee if you don’t leave the workshop confident that you know what to do to grow your company in 2024. So, go ahead and contact us by phone or email! By phone 602-435-5474 By email: SteveM@WatersBusinessConsulting.com Don’t wait! This is a great opportunity to propel your business forward!